Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
As Agriculture Month 2025 continues, Guyana’s agricultural sector has reached another major milestone with the commissioning of two transformative facilities at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NARI) — a composting unit and an ant bait production facility.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, marked a significant step forward in advancing climate-smart, sustainable agriculture across Guyana.
“We want to do sustainable farming, and we have built this composting unit. I hope that we could make full use of it. If we want improvements in agriculture, we want sustainability and we want to see sustained production. Therefore, science and technology is very important,”
— Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture
The composting unit was designed to promote eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, using specific types of worms — such as red wigglers — to break down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. The initiative aims to provide NARI’s nurseries and field operations with a consistent, high-quality supply of organic compost, reducing reliance on imported agricultural chemicals.
Meanwhile, the ant bait production facility is set to revolutionize pest control management by producing locally formulated ant bait. The process uses attractants that are carried back to nesting sites, effectively reducing pest populations and improving crop protection.
The facility is equipped with a semi-automatic mixing and pelleting system capable of producing up to 30,000 packs of bait per year — a major boost for the local industry.
According to NARI, both projects are part of its broader mission to integrate science, innovation, and sustainability into Guyana’s agricultural development strategy.
By investing in such initiatives, the government and NARI aim to empower farmers, reduce input costs, and promote resilient agricultural practices that align with Guyana’s climate adaptation goals.
